The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also considered the most expensive room to renovate (and that adds most value). And not everyone has room in their budget for a full-scale remodel!
Which is why I wanted to make sure you knew that it’s still possible to make upgrades to your home’s kitchen if you’re on a tight budget – strategic ways to make your outdated kitchen more functional and inspirational.
Here’s how!
Update your lighting
A little lighting upgrade can make a big difference in your kitchen with a modern refresh. A few ideas include:
- Adding pendants over your island or peninsula.
- Adding under-cabinet lighting to make your countertops appear brighter.
- Replacing outdated light fixtures with new, energy-efficient options.
- Add a gooseneck sconce or a dramatic pendant over the sink.
Paint your cabinets
Change your kitchen’s entire look by giving your outdated, worn cabinets a fresh coat of paint, which is fairly inexpensive over purchasing a whole new set, of course. Go with a classic white, a soft, light grey, or a two-toned look. Choose a shade that complements countertops and backsplash, but don’t be afraid to go bold!
Change out your hardware
Swapping out your cabinet and sink hardware is a quick, easy, affordable update. Look for new knobs, pulls, and faucet hardware that are more modern, black, sleek polished chrome, or bold brass – even if you have stainless steel appliances – for a cook mixed-metal modern feel.
Open up the space
If you are able to remove some of your upper cabinets and replace that space with a wall of floating open shelves, it can really visually open up the kitchen and transform the space – it will feel lighter and more airy. Shelving materials could even be repurposed from reclaimed wood or metal brackets.
The open shelving concept is a great way to display stacks of everyday dishes in the same color and shape, as well as fun elements, like cookbooks, serving platters, and more to make things less cluttered and more functional.
Add a backsplash
Install a backsplash for an affordable way to add a pop of color, texture, and personality to your kitchen. A new backsplash will modernize the space – even if it’s a simple white subway tile. Also consider fun, colorful patterned tiles, shiplap, or wainscoting panels. There are even peel-and-stick options you can DIY.
Update your island or peninsula
Give this special gathering spot a refresh by painting the sides, adding shiplap on the back, or adding corbels or an overhang to add an option for new seating.
Replace your countertops
This can tend to be a more expensive kitchen upgrade, but there still affordable alternatives to granite, such as quartz or laminate that offer similar durability at a lower cost.
Realtor Paige Bird has been an expert agent in Myrtle Beach for homebuyers and sellers since 2004. She has been named the #1 RE/MAX Agent in South Carolina for 9 consecutive years. In 2022, she closed on 75 properties for a total $26,472,347 in sales volume and an average list-to-sales price of 99.10%.
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